CUSTOM SAND ETCHING / ENGRAVING IN GLASS AND STONE

OTHERWISE KNOWN AS SAND CARVING

Welcome to Kelegant Studios by Kelly Harris located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. A number of years ago Kelly discovered, by accident, the art of sand carving and immediately fell in love. Many evenings and weekends were spent learning and practicing the process and had always wanted to someday leave her 20 year sales career in the oil and gas industry to persue what she really loved to do, and she did! Now she has the time to create and share this craft for others to enjoy. Kelly’s next step is to expand her resume by pursuing different processes which can be achieved in the field of decorative glass. These processes consist of glue chipping, silvering, gilding and hand lettering to name a few.

WHAT IS SAND CARVING?

Sand carving, also known as sand etching or sand engraving is the process by which a particular type of grit (usually aluminum oxide or silicon carbide) is propelled through a small nozzle with the use of pressurized air thus eroding the surface the grit comes in contact with. Most of the same equipment is used by industrial sand blasters. Many different types of stencil materials, grit and air pressure is used depending on the substrate. Finer detailed or smaller open areas in the mask will produce an etched effect whereas less detailed or larger open areas can result in a very deep carve up to 1/4″ or more. This technique leaves a frosted satin finish with a depth you can feel. The sand carved product will not change throughout the years and will always be as fresh as the day it was produced, heirlooms that will be treasured for generations to come.

WHY CHOOSE SAND CARVING OVER ETCHING CREAMS?

When it comes to etching on glassware there are a few products out there on the market which can be purchased from your local craft store. This process uses corrosive chemicals which merely fog the glass with very little noticable effect.

WHY CHOOSE SAND CARVING OVER LASER ENGRAVING?

Although laser engraving is better suited and more economical in certain applications, when it comes to etching glass or engraving stone there is no comparison. Laser Engraving glass utilizes the intense heat of a laser beam to create hairline chips into its surface. The chipping effect, or track marks, leave a permanent etch in the glass. Since lead cannot absorb the heat of the beam, the higher the lead content within the glass, the more ragged looking the effect. This is why 24% lead crystal cannot be laser engraved, but carves beautifully. In crystal even the higher lead contents cause the chipping effect to look even worse. Laser engraving into any surface is limited to a surface etch only and its finish will always reflect the track marks left by path of the laser beam.

WHAT CAN BE SAND CARVED?

Virtually any type of glass such as glassware, barware, crystal and wine bottles. Doors, windows, transoms, mirrors and sidelights. Wood, stone, granite, marble, tile and concrete can all be etched or carved.

WHAT ARE SOME SAND CARVING IDEAS?

Etched glassware makes a great wedding, anniversary or birthday gift. Have a set of glasses etched with a monogram, the names and date of the special event or have a set personalised for yourself. Throw out your wine charms and have a set of wine glasses personlaized each with a different word or graphic and the possibilities aren’t limited to wine glasses. A personalized etched wine bottle makes a unique gift for that special person. Lobby signs in glass can be etched or carved and edge lit with LED’s. Entry signs, house signs and neighbourhood signs can be carved in wood or stone. Carved paving stones can make for a very successful fundraiser. Pet memorials and so much more.